Ed Odeven 
Hideki Matsuyama tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10 in Augusta, Georgia. (©KYODO)
Hideki Matsuyama began his quest for a second Masters title by carding a 1-over 73 in the first round on Thursday, April 10 at Augusta National Golf Club.
The 2021 Masters champion is tied for 38th place with 12 other golfers.
Britain's Justin Rose takes a three-stroke lead into Friday's second round after firing a 7-under 65.
"It was a really good day's golf on a golf course that was a stern test," Rose said. "I think if you look at the overall leaderboard, not many low scores out there. You had to hit a lot of quality shots, and I was delighted with the way I played."
Canada's Corey Conners, defending champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg are tied for second at 4-under 68.
Matsuyama had birdies on the seventh and eighth holes. He shot 39 on the back nine, including a double bogey on the par-5 13th hole.
He also had a bogey on the par-3 12th hole, "where the wind blew just as I hit the ball and it went into the bunker," Matsuyama said later, Nikkan Sports reported.
"I'm disappointed with the result," Matsuyama said, according to NHK. "But I'm going to try to make up for it and try to get a few more birdies tomorrow."
Amateur Tai Tied with Hideki Matsuyama
Also shooting a 73 in Augusta, Georgia, was Hiroshi Tai, who qualified for the Masters as an amateur by winning the 2004 NCAA Division I golf title.
Tai, a 23-year-old junior at Georgia Tech, was born to a Singaporean father and a Japanese mother in Hong Kong.
"I played really solid today, just one bad wedge shot on 13," Tai told reporters. "[The] wind was kind of swirling there, which I knew was going to happen. It's happened before. So I wasn't too surprised by that. I kind of caught it a little thin.
"But [the] biggest adjustment tomorrow is just getting enough rest and taking a couple more breaths tomorrow when I hit, especially on some tougher shots like that."
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Baseball
Swallows' Ishikawa Breaks NPB Consecutive Seasons Win Record
Tokyo Yakult Swallows left-hander Masanori Ishikawa became a winning pitcher in an NPB game for a record 24th consecutive year on Wednesday, April 9. It was a reminder that dedication can go a long way in professional sports.
The 45-year-old allowed five hits and three runs (one earned) against the Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium. He walked one and struck out two.
When Ishikawa exited the game, the Swallows trailed 3-0. But they scored five runs in the top of the sixth inning en route to a 5-3 victory, making Ishikawa the winner.
Ishikawa made his NPB debut with the Swallows in 2002 and went 12-9 in his rookie season. He was 1-4 in 2024.
After making his 2025 season debut, Ishikawa spoke about his team's winning performance and his mindset on the mound.
"I gave up a run on my own [fielding] error, so I pitched with the mindset of not giving up any more runs and trying to stay within a few runs until my teammates scored a run," Ishikawa was quoted as saying by NHK. "I am happy that the team won and that I was able to get a win as well."
Ishikawa now owns a career win-loss record of 187-189.
With his latest win, he broke the NPB record of 23 consecutive seasons with a win, a mark shared by Kimiyasu Kudo (1985-2007, 224 career wins), Masahiro Yamamoto (1988-2010, 219 wins) and Daisuke Miura (1993-2015, 172 wins).
Perspective on Ishikawa's Win Record
Swallows manager Shingo Takatsu hailed Ishikawa for his perseverance and professionalism as a pitcher.
"It's a record that no one has ever set before, so I think it's so amazing that no one can comment on it," Takatsu said, according to NHK. "I've known him since he joined the team, and I've seen his ambition, humility and competitive spirit. He is a big pitcher full of that."
Ishikawa humbly shared his thoughts on the achievement during the postgame hero interview.
"It's not a number I can do alone," he said of 24 consecutive seasons with a victory, NHK reported. "It is thanks to my family, my manager, my coaches, the people behind the scenes and all the fans."
He added, "I am getting older, but I do my best every day."
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Basketball
B.League's Golden Kings Extend Win Streak to 9
The title-chasing Ryukyu Golden Kings are the B.League's hottest team. Coach Dai Oktetani's club won its ninth straight game on Wednesday night, hammering the Shiga Lakes 104-73 at Okinawa Arena.
Keve Aluma paced the Golden Kings (37-13) with 24 points on 10-for-13 shooting. Four teammates scored in double figures, including Alex Kirk with 18 and Ryuichi Kishimoto with 15. Ryukyu guard Hayate Arakawa dished out eight assists in the rout.
The Golden Kings play host to the Sendai 89ers (9-41) on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13.
Here's the rest of the weekend schedule for the 24-team league:
- Shimane Susanoo Magic (32-18) vs Kawasaki Brave Thunders (14-36)
- Akita Northern Happinets (24-26) vs Yokohama B-Corsairs (22-28)
- Chiba Jets (33-17) vs Sunrockers Shibuya (27-23)
- Hiroshima Dragonflies (23-27) vs Shiga Lakes (7-42)
- Saga Ballooners (17-33) vs Levanga Hokkaido (18-32)
- Utsunomiya Brex (41-9) vs Kyoto Hannaryz (26-24)
- Gunma Crane Thunders (33-17) vs San-en NeoPhoenix (42-7)
- Alvark Tokyo (36-14) vs Osaka Evessa (26-24)
- SeaHorses Mikawa (33-17) vs Nagasaki Velca (22-28)
- Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (27-23) vs Koshigaya Alphas (26-34)
- Fighting Eagles Nagoya (24-26) vs Ibaraki Robots (10-40)
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Did You Know?
Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue celebrated his 32nd birthday on Thursday, April 10.
The boxing legend faces Ramon Cardenas in a title bout on May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Editor's note: This is the first installment of Sports Shorts, a digest of Japan-related sports news from here and abroad.
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
